Trump Threatens to "Annihilate" Iran as Iran's President Vows "We Will Not Surrender" at UN Showdown
Iran's president accuses the US and Israel of attacking his country while Trump repeats his threat to destroy Iran during the UN General Assembly.
The United Nations General Assembly in New York became the stage for a direct confrontation between the United States and Iran this week, as the two countries traded threats and accusations during the high-level debate [248134][248299].
US President Donald Trump repeated his threat to "annihilate" Iran during his speech to the assembly on Tuesday [248437]. The warning came as part of a broader address that also rejected international action on climate change [247779].
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded the following day, accusing Trump of a "bullying mentality" and saying Iran would not surrender in its conflict with the United States [248358]. He told the 193-member assembly that threats would only strengthen Iran's resolve, but said his country remained open to diplomacy to end the war [248358].
Pezeshkian also accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran during his speech [248442]. He rejected Trump's warning that Iran could be destroyed if no deal were reached [248358].
The exchange highlighted deep divisions at this year's gathering, where wars in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo and Myanmar dominate the agenda [248134]. The assembly expects 73 heads of state, 45 heads of government, 49 ministers, 11 vice presidents and one crown prince to attend [248134].
The confrontation between Trump and Pezeshkian was not the only clash. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned the assembly that Brazil would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its October 4 election, declaring that "Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians" [248128]. Lula also urged nations to cut carbon emissions and protect forests, taking a position directly opposed to Trump's rejection of climate action [247779].
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the energy industry during the gathering, saying those who polluted the most and profited the most must do far more to repair the damage they caused [247319].
The summit also featured sharp threats, closed-door deals and passionate speeches as world leaders gathered in New York [248299].